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Some people are just tradition people. My husband and my oldest are precisely that—they can turn almost anything into a tradition. If they do something once and love it, they’re quick to make it a ritual. Some of these traditions have stuck, while others have thankfully faded away with time! As for me, I wouldn’t call myself a “traditions” person. While I enjoy participating in them, I also like to embrace new ideas and see traditions grow and evolve.

That said, one thing I’ve come to deeply appreciate is how Tatnall is a school rooted in traditions. Our school’s history is truly fascinating to me. When the beloved Hebb School was closing, Ms. Tatnall stepped in, opening the doors of her own home on Rodney Street (not Sedgely, as many believe) to create a new school. Some traditions we hold dear today, like the Wooden Spoon Award and the Triangle Pin Award at graduation, have been passed down for over a century, one since the days of the Hebb School, the other created by Ms. Tatnall herself. May Day, Founder’s Day, and even Community Gathering have stood the test of time, though they’ve grown and evolved with us over the years.

If I’m being honest, I used to think it was a lot of hullabaloo—until I experienced it for myself last year. I saw firsthand how over 400 grandparents filled our campus for Founder’s Day, and I listened as person after person stood up at the Annual Awards Reception, sharing stories of how Tatnall shaped their lives or how they left a lasting mark on the school. I danced alongside recent graduates and seasoned alumni at the Homecoming Kickoff Party and witnessed generations of Tatnall families—students, alumni, grandparents, and friends—come together to cheer on our sports teams.

That’s when I realized that traditions are about so much more than honoring the past. They’re about belonging to something bigger than yourself. A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of feeling a sense of belonging and how vital that is to our well-being. When you participate in a tradition that’s over 100 years old, and you see the watery eyes and nostalgic smiles of those around you, you know you’re part of something special—a community, a legacy, a tradition.

I hope you’ll join us this weekend to participate in our cherished Homecoming tradition. It’s a time to honor the students who have helped keep Tatnall’s values and spirit alive and to celebrate where we are today—a vibrant community, steeped in tradition. I look forward to seeing you there, sharing in the celebration, and continuing this legacy together.